Raleigh, N.C. - North Carolina health officials say they can leverage a $774,000 grant into $22 million worth of medications for needy residents.

The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services received a $773,728 grant from the Winston-Salem-based Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust to provide free and/or low-cost prescription drugs in rural counties over the next 12 months.

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The department estimates it will help patients buy $22 million worth of medication, if those medications were sold at full price.

"Access to prescription medication is a critical part of meeting the primary care needs of low-income North Carolinians, many of whom have long-term and chronic health conditions," Dr. Robin Cummings, DHHS Deputy Secretary of Health Services, said in a statement. "With this additional funding, we can expand access to much needed medication and improve the quality of life for many local residents, particularly in underserved rural areas of our North Carolina."

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Through this statewide program, residents in 75 counties are expected to receive an anticipated $135 million in free medications this year through pharmaceutical manufacturing programs, according to DHHS.